Vehicle construction



Dec. 28, 1937.

K. K. PRoBsT VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION `Original Filed May 15, 19.34 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTQR /far/ /f P/'obf $7 ATTRNEYS.

Dec. 28, 1937.I K. K. PRoBs-r VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION .original Filed May 15, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Ha/3&5); ATTORNEYSA Dec. 28, 1937. K. K. PRoBsT y VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION Original Filed May 15, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet I5 MATTORN EYS Dec. 28, 1937. K. K. PRoBsT VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION Original Filed May l5, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR /far/ /f Pmf BY I LM ma ATTORNEYS.

Patented Dec. 28, 1937 PATENT OFFICE 1 `VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION Karl K. Probst, Toledo, Ohio, assignor toiGeneral Motors-Corporation, Detroit, Mich.,'a, corporation of Delaware Application 15, 1934, Serial No. l2-'5,769

Renewed January 11, 1937` 14 claims.

This invention relates to vehicle constructions i and particularly to improvements in a vehicle vchassis and frame assembly.

for vehicles and method of producing same in which the najor frame construction -is formed of sections welded or otherwise secured together providing a rigid and torque resisting arrangement with a minimum of weight of material.

The invention contemplates the provision of a frame structure having an amidship tubular portion especially adapted for resisting torque which portion extends into blfurcated portions in combination with transverse members for supporting the vehicle' springs and body.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a frame construction and associated reinforcing elements forming in themselves means for supporting transverse springs in vehicles hav ing the so-called independently sprung wheel suspension.

A further object of the invention includes the method of producing a frame for-vehicles which consists of the formation and bending of sheet metal members to a predetermined configuration and Welding juxtaposed portions of the members together.

Still a further object of the invention is the provision of a chassis frame assembly for vehicles which is formed of mating sections welded together in conjunction with transverse bars and supporting members wherein the weight of such an arrangement and the cost thereof over priorA constructions is substantially reduced.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement. operation and function'of the related elements of the structure, to various details of construction and to combinations of parts, elethe spring supporting means taken substantially,

ments per se, 4and to economies of manufacture l and numerous other features as will be apparent t from a consideration of the specification and on the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a detailed view showing one of the body supporting elements of the frame, the view being taken on substantially the line 4--4 o Figure l:

Figure 5 is a detailed sectional view taken on the line 6-5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a transverse fragmentary sectional view showing the central tubular section of the frame and one of the body supporting elements, the view being taken'on the line 1-1 of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a transverse, vertical sectional view taken substantially on the line 8-8 of Figure l;

Figure 9 is a longitudinal vertical sectional viewof the frame construction taken on the line 9 9 of Figure 1;

Figure 10 is an isometric view of one of the component sections of the vehicle frame;

Figure 11 is an isometric view showing one of the reinforcing channel section components of the frame structure;

Figure 12 is an isometric view showing another reinforcing section of the frame structure.

I have illustrated my invention as embodying a frame construction and associated parts as forming the chassis of an automobile vehicle, particularly adaptable for vehicle-constructions in which the vehicle wheels are independently supported, but it is to be understood that I contemplate the use of my invention with any type of vehicle withwhich it is found to be capable of conjoint use.

Referring to the drawings in detail, IU and il indicate two major frame elements which are of similar configuration and are welded or otherwise secured together amidship as at l2 by welding to form a central-*tubular section, the extremities being of bifurcated formation as illustrated. Adjacent the forward portion of the frame is a transversely extending member lil which forms a spring seat, hereinafter described in detail, supporting transverse springs I5, the outer extremities of which are connected to members IB carrying wheel spindles Il, these in turn supporting vehicle front wheels I8. The members I6 are maintained in operative association with the springs I5 by means of links I9 connected to shock absorber mechanisms 20, the latter in turn being secured to the frame construction of the vehicle in any suitable manner.

In the embodiment illustrated, the rear springs 25 of the vehicle extend transversely thereof and are secured to a differential casing 26 by means of brackets 21, the differential -casing being mounted on rubber supports 28 and 29 as illustrated. in Figure 9. The springs 26 are suitably tical position by means of links 32 connected4 with shock absorbing means 33 in much the same manner as are the front wheels illustrated in Figure 2. the shock absorbing means ln turn being mounted upon the frame structure of the vehicle. The vehicle suspension system illustrated forms subject matter of my co-pending application, Serial No. 720,755.

The differential housing 26 encloses suitable gearing (not shown) connected with two transversely extending drive shafts 34 for driving the rear wheels of the vehicle. The gearing con,- tained within the differential housing 26 is actuated by means of a propeller or main drive shaft 36 connected to a gear set or transmission mechanism 31 and the engine or prime mover 38.

The frame construction forming part of my invention is inclusive of the two sheet metal members I0 and II which are bent and formed into similar sections jointed together about a vertical axis providing a centrally positioned torque resisting section 50 of hollow or tubular configuration. Each section comprises a curved or semioval central configuration 52 and angularly extending integral portions 53, 54, preferably of channel shaped cross-section which continue into portions 53', 54. of channel'shaped cross-section arranged in the embodiment illustrated in substantially parallel relationship with respect to the tubular section 52. These major sections formed from sheet metal producev an integral and extremely rigid construction as hereinafter explained. In assembly, the two mating sections I0 and II are joined together at the semi-oval configurations 52 the juncture of the sections being welded along the lines 51 and 58, particularly as illustrated in Figures 1 and 7, the walls of the sections forming the tubular portions 50.

It is desirable in order to provide an exceptionally rigid construction to form portions 53 and 54 of the frame of channel formation and reinforce same to provide box-like or tubular cross-sections.V To this end a member 60 of a U-shaped formation and as illustrated is channel shaped in Cross-section being positioned or embraced in the forward bifurcated configuration formed by the diverging and parallel extensions of the frame member' II as particularljr illustrated in Figure 1. The side walls 6I of the members 60 snugly fit the side walls 62 of the channel shaped sections 53 and 54 of the major frame members as illustrated in Figure 4, these walls being welded together as at 65 or otherwise secured. 'Ihe forwardly and rearwardly extending portions 53' and 54 of the frame sections I0 and II are also of channel shaped configuration in cross-section and positioned between these members is a U-shaped member 68 also of channel cross-section generally similar to the member 60. This member is assembled with the major frame sections I0 and II as illustrated in Figure 1 having overlapping side walls which are welded together along the line 69. By this construction it is to be noted that the torque resisting tubular section 50 located amidship is structurally integral with the box-like tubular extensions which arrangement has exceptional strength and torque resisting properties with a ture without lmpairing the strength of the assembly.

A simple yet eiective means of supporting the front springs of the vehicle is incorporated consisting of a pair of similarly shaped members or sections 15 and 16, having horizontal portions 11 forming spring seats or supports for the spring assemblies I5, eaelrsection having a depending portion 18 for positively positioning the spring assemblies in fixed relationship. 'I'he sections 15 and 16 are formed with horizontal portions having meeting edges which are joined together by welding as at 00 and 8i forming a combined transverse frame reinforcing and spring' seat member of closed cross-section. 'I'hesprings are secured to the supporting seats 11 by suitable means as, for example, channel shaped bars 82 secured to members 15 and 16 by means of bolts 83 as shown in Figure The extremities of the cross-member I4 formed by sections 15 and 16 project upwardly and have upper and lower wall portions 85 and 86 which snugly fit the side walls 62 of the frame portions 53 and-are riveted as indicated at 81 and 88 or otherwise secured together. The extremities of the U-shaped member 60 are formed into converging flat portions which are riveted as at 9|, welded or otherwise secured to the transverse member I4 formed of sections 15 and 16. By this arrangement there is provided a tubular or box-like transversely ex-J tending cross-member I4 which increases the rigidity of the frame construction, this cross-member also functioning as the support for the vehicle springs without the addition of other elements. The rearwardly extending portions 54' of the frame construction are preferably joined together by means of a channel shaped transversely extending member 94 riveted as at 95 or otherwise secured to the portions 54', the extremities of the reinforcing channel shaped member 68 having converging ends 96 which are riveted or otherwise secured to the cross-member 94 as at 91. 1

In the embodiment illustrated the channel shaped cross-member 94 serves to support a block 29 of resilient materialv which in turn supports the differential housing 26 of the power transmission mechanism. g

My invention is inclusive o1 a simple and yet yeffective and efficient method for producing the 53 and 54. By this method, the matched frame minimum of weight of material. 'I'he side walls ture.

Figures 11 and 12. i

Means preferably forming a part of 'the frame structure are provided for supporting the vehicle body including transversely extending channelshaped members |00 which are riveted or otherwise secured as at |02 to the parallel portionsV 53' of the i'orwardy portion of the frame struc- The channel-shaped members |00 have horizontally extending flanges |03 facing upwardly upon which the vehicle body may be directly mounted and bolted, the securing bolts passing through openings |04 in the flanges |03 of members |00. The outer portions of the members |00 are'also adapted to support the running boards not shown) oi the vehicle. The side walls of members I00 may have openings |06 for purposes of,further reducing the weight of the construction. The body is further supported by a transversely extending U-shaped member H0 having lateral flanges III and a depressed central portion H2 which snugly f'its the curved lower portion of the central tubular section 62 of the frame proper, the member I I0 being welded as at H4 to the tubular frame section. The body structure, a portion of which is shown in'dotted lines in Figures 1 and 7, preferably includes a box-like horizontal base section H'B and a metallic oor structure H6, the latter resting upon the uppermost faces of the flanges III, the floor structure of the body H6 having a raised central portion I2I adapted to extend over the central tubular section 52 of the-frame, as shown in` dotted lines in Figure 7. The member H0 at its extremities is preferably provided with-a depressed portion Hi to accommodate the box-like or ,tubular portion H5 of the vehicle body, the portion I I6 being secured to depressed portion I I1 and member H0 bymeans oi rivets H8 or other suitable means, the upwardly projecting wall I I9 of the depressed' portion of member H0 serving to prevent lateral shifting oi the vehicle body. By this means, in assembly. the body may be readily and quickly positioned' upon theivehicle frame and quicklyl secured in place. The extremities I20 of the member H0 form a suitable supporting mea'ns for the running board oi the vehicle. The weight ofthe member H0 may be reduced by the inclusion of openings |22 in the side walls thereof.

It is herein pointed out that the extensions 63 and 54 of the main frame construction form suitable supports for the bumper or fender construc- ,tions I2 5, |26 so that shocks imparted to the lar portion terminating in spaced furcations; two` U-shaped members, one U-shaped member secured to and embraced by each oi said turcations; and a transversely extending member joining the branches of each of said furcations forming 'vehicle spring supporting means.

2.A vehicle frame comprising matched similar sections-forminga central tubular portion terl minating at its extremities in'spaced furcations; a U-shaped reinforcingI member secured to and embraced by said furcations: and a cross member joining said furcations forming vehicle spring supporting means. v

3. A vehicle frame comprising two similar sections in assembled relation forming a central tubular portion; means for securing said sections together, the extremities of said frame being of bifurcated formation; U-shaped reinforcing members Joining the furcations `of each'frame section and transversely extending body supporting members secured to said tubular and 'bifurcated portions oi' said frame structure.

4. Ina vehicle in combination, a-frame having a central tubular portion and bifurcated forwardl and rearwardly extending portions; a cross meming mating similar sections having central en.

gaging portions secured together, said frame having diverging channel-shaped forward and rearward extensions; reinforcing members secured to and' embraced by said extensions; and a channelshaped member extending transversely oi said frame and welded to the tubular central section of said frame.

6. A frame construction for vehicles comprising mating similar sections having central engaging curved portions secured together forming a tubular section; said frame having diverging forward and rearward extensions of channelshaped cross-section; f U-shaped members secured to and embraced by said extensions; and a channel-shaped member extending transversely of said frame and welded to the tubular central section of said frame.

7. A frame construction for vehicles comprising mating similarsections having central engaging curved portions having edges welded/together alonga vertical plane, said frame having diverging channel-shaped forward and rearward portions terminating in spaced substantially parallel portions; reinforcing members secured to said diverging portions; a channel-shaped member extendingtransversely of said frame and welded to the tubular central section of said frame; and channel-'shaped members secured to and extending transversely of the forwardly extending spaced portions of said frame.

8. A frame construction for vehicles comprising mating similar sections formed of sheet material providedwith central engaging curved portions having edges welded together forming a tubular central section, said frame having diverging vforward and rearward portions; reinforcing members secured Within said diverging portions; a channel-shaped member extending transversely of said frame' and secured to the tubular central sectiono'f said frame; and chan-l nel-shaped members secured to and extending transversely of the forwardlyf extending diverging portions of said frame.

9. In a vehicle the combination of a frame comprising two similar formed sheet metal sections, when in assembled relation forming a central tubular portion, the extremities of said frame being bifurcated; channeled members embraced by said furcations to form tubular sections therein; a member formed of mated sections welded together connecting one of said sets of furcations adapted to'form a support for the'front springs of the vehicle, the other of said sets of furcations being connected by a cross member adapted 'to support a housing enclosing power transmission mechanism.

10. In a vehicle the combination of a frame formed of mated sections of sheet metal welded adjacent their central portions to form a central reinforcing tubular portion and bifurcated forwardly and rearwardly extending portions; a. spring supporting member Joining one of said sets of furcations, said member being formed of matched hollow sections welded together; andV channeled inserts carried by said furcations to form tubular sections therein.

11. A vehicle frame comprising a central tubular part terminating at each end in' a furcation,

A in cross section,

thetines oi said furcation being channel shaped reinforcing members channel shaped in cross section, one member for each furcation, said members extending longitudinally of the tines of the furcations and having the channels facing the channels of the tines and forming therewith a box-sectioned construction.

12. A vehicle frame comprising a central tubular part terminating at each end in a furcaticn,

reinforcing means for the furcations, said means and the 'tines of said furcations being channel shaped in cross section, said means extending longitudinally of the tines of the iurcations and forming therewith a box-sectioned construction.

13. A vehicle frame comprising two similar sections formed of sheet metal, the central portions of said sections being welded together to Y form a tubular conguration, the extremiti of 

